Thank You!

We just want to thank all of our sponsors, vendors, national expert speakers and especially the incredible 280 One Team ’17 conference attendees that helped make this year’s conference a huge success. And we give a special shout-out to all who serve Georgia’s children and families every single day. See you all next year. It was a blast!#OneTeam2018

Kevin McNeil is a Special Victims Detective, author, educator, and motivational speaker. Throughout his 18-year career as a law enforcement officer and detective, Kevin has testified in court as an expert witness and is responsible for putting together numerous cases for prosecution against sex offenders. Kevin has investigated and solved several high profile media cases; including six serial rape cases and five child murder cases.

His years of experience as a police officer and detective allow him to consult with local law enforcement agencies as well as Child Advocacy Centers, hospitals, school systems and state family protective service agencies. He helps agencies measure the effects of abuse, and educates the general public on how to recognize and report abuse to the proper authorities. Kevin’s passion is to educate the world on the effects of abuse and how it can be eradicated from our culture.

Detective Kevin McNeil presents a motivating and compelling presentation on why helping abuse victims is more than just a job; it is a calling. This presentation will highlight why your job is more than just something you get paid to do but is a unique call to service. Part of Kevin’s presentation highlights the importance of providing a space for victims to talk about their abuse in a friendly supportive environment such as the child advocacy center. He demonstrates how neuroscience confirms that talking about abuse in a supportive environment increases the chances of victims recovering from their abuse; enabling them to live healthy lives. You will see how forensic interviews are changing lives and giving parents reassurance they are not alone. [Read more…]

“Child Abuse Records Protection Act” signed into law

Gov. Nathan Deal with CACGA representatives, state lawmakers and political consultants.

Gov. Nathan Deal signed HB 725, the “Child Abuse Records Protection Act” on April 27th. This critical legislation will prevent the unauthorized disclosure of child abuse records. CACGA championed the legislation that was introduced by Rep. Wes Cantrell and joined the Governor for the signing of this bill.

Keynote Speaker Announced!

CACGA is excited to announce its keynote speaker for its 9th Annual “One Team” Conference: The MDT Response to Child Abuse & Neglect, in Macon, Georgia, on Wednesday, November 4, 2015.

Kevin Mulcahy is a survivor of child sexual abuse. He works as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in Detroit, Michigan and serves as Chief of the General Crimes Unit. As Chief, he oversees the Project Safe Childhood program, as well as supervising gun, drug, and other federal prosecutions. For his own caseload, Kevin focuses on child exploitation crimes, including production of child pornography cases, traveler cases, and other significant PSC prosecutions.

Kevin has been a prosecutor for 13 1/2 years, all on the federal level, with the first 3 1/2 years as an AUSA in San Diego, and the rest in Detroit. Kevin obtained his undergraduate degree in Statistics and American Culture from the University of Michigan and his JD from Santa Clara School of Law. He has 3 kids, 2 cats, 1 dog, and a very nice wife.

The Keynote presentation will recount Kevin’s own story of sexual exploitation at the hands of his soccer coach, Randy. But, it will not be merely a retelling of the past. Instead, the presentation will address lessons learned from his case by combining Kevin’s experience both as a victim and a long-time prosecutor of child exploitation cases. Knowing what he knows now, Kevin believes there are lessons to be learned from his story for the investigator (Kevin’s was great), the prosecutor (Kevin’s was terrible), and the forensic interviewer (Kevin did not have one). Beyond these (hopefully) useful lessons, the presentation will provide plenty of time for questions from attendees. Given the nature of our work, we don’t often get to ask questions (beyond factual questions) of our child victims.

The Children’s Advocacy Centers of Georgia’s 8th Annual World Day for the Prevention of Child Abuse Conference will be held on Wednesday, November 19, 2014 at the Macon Marriott Conference Center in Macon, Georgia.

CACGA’s World Day conference is the most comprehensive child maltreatment in Georgia, with expert local and national trainings provided workshops on topics that impact all multidisciplinary team members: prosecution, law enforcement, medical, social services, and mental health.

Registration will begin August 7, 2014, on the CACGA website.

“We are extremely excited about this year’s program,” CACGA CEO Andrew Agatston said. “Our presenters include Stacie LeBlanc, a former prosecutor who is now the department manager of the Audrey Hepburn CARE Center at Children’s Hospital of New Orleans and the executive director of the New Orleans CAC. We also will welcome Jeffrey Dion, one of the foremost victim advocates in the nation and the Executive Director of the National Center for Victims of Crime in Washington D.C.

“Our agenda is going to be loaded with important information designed to make an impact on the professionals who fight child maltreatment as well as community members, colleges and universities, and the faith community.”

More information about World Day will be provided on this website in the coming days and weeks.

This is a multi-disciplinary center with multiple agencies, both military and civilian, working together to provide the most comprehensive services available to clients. Some of the agencies involved are the 3rd ID SHARP (Sexual Harassment/ Assault Response and Prevention) program, Fort Stewart’s Department of Behavioral Medicine, the 3rd ID EO (Equal Opportunity) program, Fort Stewart CID (Criminal Investigation Department), Fort Stewart Medical Forensic Services, SJA (Staff Judge Advocate), Fort Stewart Family Advocacy, and Helen’s Haven Children’s Advocacy Center, which is located in Hinesville.

Helen’s Haven CAC has been given an office in which to conduct forensic interviews on site for military children. Law enforcement officials will observe through closed circuit television in an adjoining room. Helen’s Haven CAC and Fort Stewart agencies have worked together frequently since the opening of the CAC in 2005. This center on post further cements Fort Stewart leadership’s commitment to working with Helen’s Haven for the safety and welfare of military children. Since all of these agencies are in one location, the client does not have to retell their experience multiple times, thereby, reducing trauma.

Major General Mike Murray addressing those in attendance at the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony of the Marne Advocacy Resource Center at Ft. Stewart, GA.

Major General Mike Murray, the Senior Commander of the 3rd Infantry Division, stated that this center is modeled after centers on other United States military installations. The general said, “My ultimate goal for this center is to have no need for it. I would love to come down here and close this facility down, but until we fix this problem – and it takes each and every one of us to fix this problem – there’s a need for this center, and I’m absolutely convinced that this center will do wonderful things.”

November 26, 2013

“Thank you in advance for all your help with spreading the word about the courageous actions kids take every day to seek help and the ways in which adults can help.”http://www.nationalchildrensalliance.org/courage/
Teresa Huizar
Executive Director of National Children’s Alliance

CAC Georgia Services

CACGA is supported in part by the Georgia Department of Human Services — Division of Family and Children Services through funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (CFDA 93.558).